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Category: growth

Change and GrowthWow, it’s coming so close. I can’t believe this challenge is almost done.

For this topic, I needed a little help because I wasn’t really sure if I have changed over the past 5 years. Many times, at least for me, I am not able to look outside myself and see how I’ve grown. I also tend to be quite critical of myself. So, this morning, I asked my husband this question and the one thing that he shared with me in how I’ve changed over the past 5 years is how I handle myself in adverse conditions. He then went on to say that he’s noticed I don’t get overly stressed over certain situations as much as I used to because I am able to look at the big picture and realize there are some things which I cannot control.That was a loaded comment for me and it also spoke volumes. Then I started thinking about how I have changed over the last 5 years and that’s when things started coming together. First and foremost, as a Mom, I have mellowed out quite a bit. When the boys were younger, my stress level was through the roof. I fussed over every move they made, what they did, where they were going. I was almost afraid to let them make mistakes. Today, I’m not as high maintenance with the boys. They’re older and coming into their own identities and are handling situations as they come along. I still worry and stress over them, but it’s not as overbearing as it was 5 years ago. They’re growing every day and are turning into fine young men. It’s something every Mom wants for her children and I’m doing it every day with mine.

As a Wife, I have learned to be more calm and open with my husband. This is an area that was a bit of a struggle because he’s gone a lot for work and most of the time I’m left to hold down the fort. When he would come home, we all would have to adjust and while I established a routine with the boys, my issue was always making that adjustment when he got home. A lot of times, in my mind, I had things all worked out and then he’d come home and we’d have to re-learn a whole new routine. Sometimes I felt a little resentment and it wasn’t necessary. It’s the nature of our relationship. Today, I’ve mellowed out A LOT in this area. I still tend to get a little OCD with the routines, but I am not so high strung about it. In terms of our relationship as husband and wife, that has gotten better and still a work in progress. Marriage is constant work. It’s about building and developing those relationships, adjusting to each other’s needs and communicating. It’s a lot of work and it takes both parties to be on board WITHOUT outside influences.I’m starting to notice a pattern of high maintenance in my life. Thank goodness I’ve mellowed out over the years.As a business person, the biggest change I have realized goes back to what hubby said about how I handle adverse conditions. When I first started out, I was all over the place – running around like a chicken with her head chopped off. I was chasing this and that, no real focus, no real drive, no vision, no expectations. A lot of times, I treated my business like spaghetti – throwing it against the wall to see what would stick. That lead to lots of frustration, doubt, stress and a sense of not knowing.Another area that has changed is how I deal with difficult/challenging people. In the past, I would let people walk all over me or let THEIR thougths determine who I was as a person. It wasn’t necessarily me trying to be liked by everyone or even be a “Yes” person. I wouldn’t speak up and voice my concerns or my ideas because of a lack of self-confidence. Today, I learn from those difficult/challenging people or situations and realize that at the end of the day someone else’s opinion is not my concern and that tomorrow, I will wake up, be fine and do it all over again.Today, I am a better person. I am a better mother than I was 5 years ago. I’ve learned though my boys that I am very strong and as we all go through each of their growing stages, I can handle it. As a wife, I am more open to our relationship and realize it’s not about always having things done my way or always being right (even when I usually am.) As a business woman, I know my purpose. I’m here to help change people’s lives. I also realize that not everyone will be as receptive to what I have to offer and that’s okay. There are plenty of people out there who need help and looking for me. I will continue to search for them and make my presence known.I know that what ever is thrown my way, I will be able to handle it. These past 5 years are just the beginning and the stepping stone for greatness ahead. I’m excited and can’t wait!!!

It’s hard to believe there are 5 days left of this blog challenge. It’s been an amazing journey. I won’t reflect just yet since this isn’t my 100th blog. So, why do I blog?I originally started with the intent on getting more into blogging and generate a new fan base. I also love to write and share my thoughts on paper. I’ve started so many journals over the years; some would stick, some would be sporadic. The one commonality in all my journaling = I love to express myself through writing.This is very therapeutic. A way to express my thoughts and/or let out some frustration or just be funny. It’s a trip down memory lane when you look back on your work. I can’t help but smile, cringe and say, “What the heck were you thinking?!?!?”It’s fun. I have fun when I blog, and I plan to continue as it’s part of my routine.

I am a proud Mom this week. Today, Justus brought home his items from school and his teacher also included a video diary of the year. Teary-eyed doesn’t even begin to cover it. Justus has always been the one I was concerned about when he started school because he’s very quiet and I was afraid others would mistake his quietness for weakness. I didn’t want anyone to pick on him or make him feel uncomfortable.I was so wrong in many ways.He has grown and thrived in such a short period of time. From his writing, which in the beginning was literally chicken scratch, to now almost at the same level as his older brother is mind-blowing. He’s reading, he’s drawing, he made friends, he LOVES school. He comes home and shares his day and is excited about something new each day.After speaking with my hubby last night about Elijah’s progress, he told me to take my hand and pat myself on the back for a job well done. It’s very humbling, for me, at least, to realize how much of an impact I have on my kids. I am tough on them and I won’t apologize for it because even though they don’t like it at the time, in the long run, it’s worth it. I’m sure I shared most of these words yesterday, and that’s fine. My kids are amazing and I’m touting their horn. Justus has come into his own, no, he has grown and improved his skills by connecting with other kids his age and has fostered some great relationships.Yes, another proud Mom moment, indeed.

Rounding The Bend and Seeing the HorizonHappy 1st day of Summer. In our neck of the woods, we had on our coats and dealt with wind and rain and a slight chill.It didn’t really occur to me, not until I really looked at the day, but this blog challenge is coming to a close. What an adventure it has been, and I’m learning more and more about me through these blog entries.Just a quick reflection today and I’m pretty excited about how this challenge has shaped me. I feel like I’m in the last 100 meters and the horizon is just within reach. Wow, what a ride this has been.

Well, I am not one who jumps on the bandwagon. Sometimes, it even takes me a while to get things. In any case, I recently found a 31 Day Blog Challenge with specific topics for each day, and I thought, “What a cool idea…wish I had seen these when I started.”Oh well, no time like the present, right?So…..here goes.My name is Dionne Tuplin. I am married with 3 boys and I live in Canada. I decided to start this blog challenge to help me get better at blogging as well as improve my writing. It’s also a way for me to channel some of my thoughts that take residence in my head. This is a great outlet for me, and I am having lots of fun, even on those days when it seems like I’m writing a whole bunch of nothing. It’s my hope that after these 100 days, not only has my writing improved, but my blogging becomes second nature. While I may not blog every day, it is my hope that the content I do put out there makes a difference even in one person’s life.So, that’s a little introduction about who I am, and I hope you’ve been able to learn about me from my first 30 entries. This next journey looks to be exciting, challenging and everything in between.

Hello, it’s me!!!

Now, the other piece to today’s task was to share a recent photo of me. While this is not a recent photo, it is one of my favorites, and I am NOT one to be in front of the camera. So, here I am. Nice to meet you. Take care, and have a great day.

Last night, before they went to bed, I asked my boys what they wanted for breakfast. They all said “Pancakes and Bacon.” This morning, my 8 year old said, “Mom, would you teach me how to make pancakes?”

They’ve asked me all the time, they get all excited with the measuring and mixing, but then they would usually get tired or bored and go off to do something else. Today was different. My oldest REALLY wanted to learn, but I was still a little scared. But, why? I mean, when I was his age, not only was I in the kitchen cooking with my Mom, but I was helping raise my younger brother.

So, I willingly allowed him to help, and boy, was he eager. He got out all the ingredients, the bowl, measuring spoons, pans and whisk. He was on a pancake making mission. Things were going really well – he did great with the measuring and he wanted to do the mixing. I was a little hesitant, so I started it off. I mean, the batter was full and some of it was stuck to the bottom – he may have had a hard time getting it all mixed…

One is ready to grow up, while the other is just not quite there yet.

The time came to start cooking the pancakes. He didn’t want to pour the batter in the pan, but he wanted to do the flipping. He did his first flip, and part of it landed on the edge of the pan. He got upset. I told him, it was fine, he did a good job and the pancake was still edible. We went through this process for a bit, and by the time all was said and done, he managed to flip 12 pancakes with some minor hiccups.

He was proud of himself for helping, and I was proud of myself for not being too controlling. My 5 year old wanted in on the action as well, so he got to flip the last pancake and the look of joy on his face was just priceless.

When all was said and done, we made 20 pancakes, scrambled eggs and turkey bacon for Saturday breakfast. It was a joint effort, and a fun time was had by all. They loved it so much, they wanted breakfast for dinner. There’s nothing left of that food.

I just wish I had taken a picture of it all. Oh well, next time.

This experience got me to thinking about what it means to be coachable, willing to learn and allow others to do for themselves. As a Mom, I know that as my boys get older, they will be able to take on more responsibilities around the house, including cooking. The fact that they are so eager to learn makes the process a little easier, but that protective instinct in me tends to kick into overdrive on some occasions.

I don’t want them to get hurt – or in this case, burned.

It’s difficult in the beginning.

It can be overwhelming.

They will make mistakes.

They will learn from those mistakes.

They will get better each time.

For my oldest, when he flipped that first pancake and it didn’t come out perfect, he was devastated. To him, it was the end of the world, but I had to keep reassuring him that it was fine and he did a good job. That little bit of encouragement made the difference and he did get better along the way. He was also real excited because he got to turn on the burner. That was like the Holy Grail of cooking for him at that point.

In life, we are always a work in progress, and we should be willing to learn from others. As adults, this can be a challenge, for some. We’re set in our ways; we’re used to doing things a certain way; we’re in a rush and want to get it done right now.

Wait a sec…it’s the same mentality kids have.

When you are open and willing to be coached by others, you gain the knowledge and skills necessary to move forward. Whether it’s tying your shoe laces for the first time, cooking, reading, writing, starting a business, whatever it may be – as long as you are truly willing to be taught, you will go far.

It’s a matter of giving up control for just a little bit, taking the time to learn, being patient, making mistakes, and having fun along the way. Then, once you’ve learned, you’re able to turn around and teach it to others. The duplication process at its best.

This morning was a lot of fun for all of us. We all learned something about ourselves today.

Day 1 – Another Day, Another ChallengeChallenges seem to bring out the best in me, and so I’ve decided to challenge myself once again so I can hone my blogging skills. Hone? How about FIND my blogging skills?!?!?! My blogs have been very sporadic and all over the place. I’ve got lots to say and just not sure how to say it. So, yesterday, it hit me – if I am going to get better at blogging, I’m going to have to be consistent with blogging.

I’m not sure how this will pan out, but I am nervous, excited and looking forward to this challenge. What will happen? My hope is that over the next 100 days, I will develop a great desire to blog more often. Some will be planned (i.e. reviews, essays, etc.), most will be on the fly, based on my emotions. Some will be quick little posts, others novels. But, I will always be honest and try to be as real as possible.Thank you, in advance, to those who decide to follow me on this journey. I welcome any and all feedback and hope these next 100 days will be a growing process for you and me alike. Take care, be well, and thanks for reading.